tag:www.naturalawakenings.com,2005:/categories/natural-pet?page=17
Natural Pet Natural Pet | Natural Awakenings Magazine Page 17
Healthy Living Healthy Planet
2019-08-28T16:20:33-04:00
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2019-08-28T16:20:33-04:00
2019-08-28T16:20:33-04:00
Urinary Health: Illness Care and Prevention Tips
2011-09-28 10:17:00 -0400
Dr. Matthew J. Heller
<h4>
<strong>Dogs and cats can suffer from diseases and disorders similar to those that can trouble their owners. Urinary tract disease is a common cause for concern for pets.</strong>
</h4>
<h3>
<br>
Urinary System Primer</h3>
<p>
The urinary system is vital to any animal’s health, because it is responsible for removing waste products such as chemical byproducts, toxins and drugs from the bloodstream and eliminating them as urine. Other vital functions of the system include balancing the body’s pH, transforming vitamin D into an active form, and releasing hormones that aid in regulating blood pressure. Urinary tract disease may show up in several ways, including common bacterial infections easily treated with antibiotics, and bladder or kidney stones, which often require surgery. Just as in people, urinary tract disease causes pets pain and is dangerous if left untreated.</p>
<p>
Many urinary diseases share similar symptoms, any of which should prompt a proper professional diagnosis:</p>
<p>
► Frequent straining to urinate, often with little success; if a pet likely has a full bladder and attempts to urinate but nothing passes, consult a veterinarian immediately</p>
<p>
► More than the usual licking of the genital area</p>
<p>
► Increased urination, sometimes in inappropriate areas, such as inside the home or outside the litter box</p>
<p>
► Crying or whimpering when urinating</p>
<p>
► Cloudy or bloody urine with a strong odor</p>
<p>
► Tenderness in lower abdominal area during examination</p>
<p>
As always, providing the veterinarian with details as to changes in recent potty habits is helpful. Based on a detailed medical history, many veterinarians will proceed to diagnostic testing that usually begins with a basic urinalysis.</p>
<h3>
Urinary Tract Infections</h3>
<p>
The most common cause of urinary tract disease is bacterial infection. For most urinary tract infections (UTI), an antibiotic regime will treat the present infection and lifestyle changes accompanied by veterinarian-recommended nutraceuticals may aid in preventing future problems.</p>
<p>
Certain underlying conditions may predispose a pet to infection, such as a weakened immune system or diabetes. Most canine UTIs are bacterial in origin and as a general rule, female dogs are more prone to experience them because the wider female urethra potentially allows more unwanted bacteria to enter. If bacteria then travels to the bladder and is left untreated, it may go on to contaminate the kidneys and other organs, presenting a serious health risk.</p>
<h3>
Bladder Stones</h3>
<p>
Bladder or kidney stones pose a more serious type of urinary disease, and either is of more concern for pets. In suspect situations, radiographic imaging such as X-rays or ultrasounds will help determine treatment. Small female dogs between the ages of 4 and 8 that have a history of bladder infections are the most vulnerable.</p>
<p>
<img alt="Urinary health tips for pets" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/625941/Urinary-Health-in-Pets.jpg" class="image-align-right">While stones are less common in male dogs, it can pose a critical care sit uation if stones pass from the bladder into the male’s narrow urethra, where the obstruction prevents the pet from urinating. Stones can also affect feline friends and similar life-threatening situations can occur if urine is unable to pass.</p>
<p>
Generally, stones form in concentrated urine, so the less hydrated a pet, the greater the risk that a stone may form. Stones are formed by microscopic mineral crystals strained out of urine that band together to create a larger stone. There are various types of stones and correct identification will determine treatment options.</p>
<h3>
Prevention Tips</h3>
<p>
<strong>Increase water consumption.</strong> Home cooking is a wonderful option for ensuring a pet is receiving ample moisture-rich foods; most recipes include fluid-rich meats and veggies. Offering high quality, premium canned food is good, too. For pets that routinely chow down on dry commercial foods, moisten rations with salt-free broth. Also, add a tiny pinch of unrefined sea salt to their water bowl; using distilled water is advised for pets with a history of stones.</p>
<p>
<strong>Use supplements.</strong> Capsules of d-Mannose cranberry extract combine a powerful natural diuretic with the antibacterial benefits of cranberries. The more often a pet urinates, the less likely the urine will become concentrated in the bladder.</p>
<p>
<strong>Consider probiotics.</strong> Probiotics contain beneficial bacteria that establish a healthy flora in the digestive tract; a strong gut can fight off infectious bacterial challenges.</p>
<p>
<strong>Monitor pH.</strong> Owners can purchase pH strips to test a pet’s first daily urine at home. Changes in a pet’s pH may indicate a urinary issue and that veterinary care is advisable.</p>
<p>
By staying alert to abnormal pet behavior and promptly consulting with a vet, you will be able to get your pet back to proper urinary health.</p>
<p>
<br>
<em>Dr. Matthew J. Heller is a holistic veterinarian and owner of All About PetCare, in Middletown, OH. For more information, visit <a href="http://AllAboutPetCare.com">AllAboutPetCare.com</a>.</em></p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>
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2019-08-28T16:16:59-04:00
2019-08-28T16:16:59-04:00
Pet Trusts: Peace of Mind for Your Pet’s Future
2011-08-31 10:09:00 -0400
Kimberly A. Colgate, Esq.
<p>
<span class="dropcap">M</span>ost owners don’t think they need formal estate-planning documents for their pets because a friend, neighbor or relative has said that they will take care of the pet when the owner dies. Unfortunately, sometimes these folks may have good intentions, but when reality strikes, the hoped-for, unwritten arrangement may not be honored and the pet is euthanized.</p>
<p>
Such sad occurrences, the result of unforeseen financial distress, broken promises or misunderstandings, can be prevented if the proper legal documents are in place to protect a beloved pet. The owner may provide for the pet either in a legally signed will or a trust specifically created for the named pet. So, which is better?</p>
<h3>
Limits of a Will</h3>
<p>
While a will cannot leave property directly to an animal, it can name a person that is charged with the responsibility of caring for the pet, as well as leave available funds to the individual for that purpose. However, problems can arise because many people don’t understand how a will works.</p>
<p>
With a will, the instructions contained in it are not automatically carried out. A lengthy and formal process must be followed in each state to admit a will to the probate court and appoint an executor; until that happens, no one can access the property of the deceased. Initiating the process typically takes at least 30 days and it can be up to a year before money is distributed to beneficiaries. But where does the pet live in the meantime? Who is taking care of the pet and providing money for housing, food, exercise and health care?</p><div class="image-with-caption image-align-right">
<img alt="Illustrations courtesy of Debby Carman ©" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/625621/Benefits-of-a-Trust-for-Pets.jpg"><div class="small">Illustrations courtesy of Debby Carman ©</div>
</div>
<p>
Another problem is that even when money or property is given to the named person to care for a pet, it is difficult to ensure that they will actually spend the money on the pet, according to the will’s instructions. This is why creating a trust for the long-term care of a pet is the better solution.</p>
<h3>
Benefits of a Trust</h3>
<p>
More than 45 states now have laws making it possible to create a trust for a pet. This arrangement offers many advantages; a pet trust document usually:</p>
<ul>
<li>
Names a physical caretaker for the pet</li>
<li>
Names a trustee that will hold the money for caring for the pet</li>
<li>
Instructs the trustee to distribute the money to the caretaker according to the instructions contained in the pet trust</li>
<li>
Provides the trustee with the authority to place the pet with a new caretaker if for any reason the person named cannot take care of the pet as intended</li>
</ul>
<p>
The first step in creating a pet trust is to write out a plan specifying who will care for the pet, how much money will be needed and how it should be spent, and the name of the person that has agreed to act as trustee. A plan for a pet can be general or detailed.</p>
<p>
It’s not a good idea to make the pet caretaker the trustee, because the trustee is responsible for enforcing the plan and making certain that the caretaker is following the <img alt="Creating a pet trust" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/625622/Pet-Owners-Trust.jpg" class="image-align-left">previous owner’s instructions. Otherwise, the trustee is charged with finding a new caretaker that will follow the instructions in the trust document and redirecting the funds to them.</p>
<p>
A pet trust does not have to be funded until the owner has passed. The easiest way to fund a pet trust is to name the trustee as the recipient of a bank account, a certificate of deposit or an insurance policy. The funds then are immediately available for the care of a pet, according to the instructions contained in the trust document.</p>
<p>
With written plan in hand, the next step is to meet with an attorney to develop it into a legally enforceable trust document. If the basic plan is already in writing, the lawyer should be able to state a reasonable price to draft the trust. Or, a pet owner may choose to purchase a guide on how to create a pet trust.</p>
<p>
<br>
<em>For more information, visit <a href="http://CreateAPetTrust.com">CreateAPetTrust.com</a> and see </em>The Pet Plan and Pet Trust Guide<em>, by Kimberly A. Colgate. It explains, in detail, how to create a pet trust and includes a fill- in-the-blank pet trust document. Colgate is a practicing trust attorney in Sarasota, FL. Contact her at 941-927-2996 or <a href="mailto:KColgate@FLLawyer.com">KColgate@FLLawyer.com</a>.</em></p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>
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2019-08-28T16:15:02-04:00
2019-08-28T16:15:02-04:00
Storytime Pals: Animals Help Children Read
2011-07-29 11:54:56 -0400
Anonymous
<p><span class="dropcap">R</span>oo, a 6-year-old collie certified by Intermountain Therapy Animals as a therapy dog for visits to nursing home residents and hospital patients, works primarily with his handler, Tina Anderson, as a reading education assistance dog (R.E.A.D.) at Graytown Elementary School, in Graytown, Ohio.</p><p>Children with trouble reading, a learning disability or shyness, or that just feel intimidated by reading in front of a class, like to read with Roo. “It’s a special connection that makes them feel important,” says Anderson.</p><p>“Dogs have been successful in having a calming effect on adults. Why not use them with children who have reading and social disabilities?” queries Lesley Pulsipher, national R.E.A.D. coordinator, in Salt Lake City, Utah. “Animals are not judgmental, and children feel safe reading to them. In a classroom, a child’s classmates may laugh at them if they mess up.”</p><p>According to Pulsipher, the program is not just limited to dogs; carefully vetted cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and miniature horses also visit schools and libraries to help foster reading. She observes that, “The program really helps bring kids out of their shell and gives them a boost of self-confidence.”</p><p><br><em>Source: <a href="http://aol.com">aol.com</a></em></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>
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2019-08-28T16:14:59-04:00
2019-08-28T16:14:59-04:00
Everybody Outside!: Create a Yard that Welcomes Kids, Pets and Wildlife
2011-07-29 11:54:00 -0400
Sandra Murphy
<h4>
<strong>From barbecues, lawn games and cooling dashes through the garden sprinkler to wondrous encounters with nature, a backyard is a place to grow summer memories enriched by active children, wildlife and family pets. But how can everyone safely play and coexist in the same place?</strong>
</h4>
<p>
<br>
<br>
<strong>START WITH NON-TOXIC PLANTS. </strong> Avoid planting species that are poisonous to pets, including amaryllis, azalea, chrysanthemum, English ivy, oleander, sago palm, tulip bulbs and yew. Several species of lilies, including those commonly sold at Easter, are especially toxic to cats if they ingest the pollen, stem or flowers.</p>
<p>
<strong>DESIGNATE A DOG POTTY SPOT.</strong> “A designated potty area is key to a healthy backyard,” says Lisa Peterson, an American Kennel Club spokesperson. Choose a spot away from the main play area, vegetables and flowers. Lead a dog there until it becomes his habit; effusive praise helps.</p>
<p>
Matt Boswell, founder of the nationwide Pet Butler pet waste cleanup service, suggests installing a designated piddle post for easier training of male dogs. Use cedar chips to reduce odor—never cocoa mulch, which is toxic to dogs. “Daily scooping is a must,” Boswell counsels. “Fecal chloroform kills grass.”</p><div class="image-with-caption image-align-right">
<img alt="Courtesy of Cheryl Smith" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/625417/Outdoor-Dog-Tunnel.jpg"><div class="small">Courtesy of Cheryl Smith</div>
</div>
<p>
<strong>PROTECT PETS FROM PREDATORS.</strong> Dangers range from poisonous frogs and snakes to birds of prey and coyotes. Six-inch-high wire mesh, dug into the ground at the bottom of a fence, will help keep out problematic reptiles and amphibians. Install a coyote roller bar at the top of the fence to foil potential animal attempts to climb up and over. Consider using canvas “sails” to prevent overhead predators from spotting small, vulnerable pets. Sails also add shade and help protect the whole family against harmful ultraviolet rays.</p>
<p>
“Evenly space lights to avoid dark spots,” suggests designer Mitch Kalamian, owner of Solena Landscape, in Huntington Beach, California. “It lets you see where your dog is during the before-bedtime outing, as well as making sure no other animals are in the yard.”</p>
<p class="pullquote">
If “Let’s eat out!” at your house translates into “Fire up the grill,” be sure it is stabilized on a firm surface, so that speeding kids and curious canines can’t upend the grill and spill the hot coals along with the turkey dogs.</p>
<p>
<br>
</p><div class="image-with-caption image-align-left">
<img alt="Courtesy of Susan Gottlieb" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/625418/Outdoor-Cat-Run.jpg"><div class="small">Courtesy of Susan Gottlieb</div>
</div><strong>GUARD AGAINST BOREDOM.</strong> Left alone in the yard for hours, a dog becomes as bored as a single kid on a teeter-totter. Barking, jumping fences and digging can lead to problems with neighbors, yard damage or pet injury, so offer him some options and ways to spend time with people.
<p>
Dogs understand “mine” and “yours,” so give him an area where digging is okay. Use decking wood to create a small, but deep, animal sandbox. Hide treasures like tennis balls (nothing smaller) or eco-friendly squeaky toys for him to find. Set up a tunnel that is fun to run through or hide in; it can also be a cool shady spot to rest. A large pipe made of recycled material works well; cover it with soil and plant groundcover. Kids likewise will love sharing the pit and tunnel with Fido.</p>
<p>
Felines, too, enjoy the outdoors, but keeping them from becoming predators or prey requires a bit of planning. Susan Gottlieb, owner of G2 Gallery, who donates all gallery proceeds to environmental causes, replaced the exotic plants in her yard with native species. So her cats can enjoy the garden safely, she built an open-air cat run, composed of rubber-matted wood planks enclosed in a wire mesh tunnel.</p>
<p>
Ground-level playpens invite games and snoozes. Viewing platforms wind up to the roof for safe sunbathing on cool days and birdwatching with- out harm to songbirds. The National Wildlife Federation has designated her Beverly Hills garden as a Backyard <strong><div class="image-with-caption image-align-right">
<img alt="Courtesy of Audubon California" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/625419/Bird-Friendly-Yard.jpg"><div class="small">Courtesy of Audubon California</div>
</div></strong>Wildlife Habitat.</p>
<p>
“A backyard is not a babysitter,” remarks Cheryl Smith, author of <em>Dog Friendly Gardens, Garden Friendly Dogs</em>. “Find a livable solution. It’s easier than getting rid of the problem.”</p>
<p>
<strong>INVITE WILDLIFE. </strong>Butterflies look for specific species of flowers and require a protected place to rest. A birdbath and fresh seed will attract birds and squirrels. Hummingbirds like hanging sugar-water feeders, which should be filled daily during the local hummingbird season. Children can help to attract these fun visitors by keeping the bath and feeders full.</p>
<p class="pullquote">
“Creating a bird-friendly yard is a great way to bring the family together outdoors. Birds can add a tremendous amount of life and beauty to our surroundings, whether it’s a group of hummingbirds hovering around a feeder, a robin splashing in a bird bath or a black phoebe perched on the fence.”<br>
~ Graham Chisholm, executive director, Audubon California</p>
<p>
<br>
<strong>FISH CAN COEXIST. </strong>Surround a pond with greenery to shade the fish. Strategic plantings also may help camouflage a koi pond from raccoons, opossums and birds of prey.</p>
<p>
“Opossums won’t dive in, but can grab a fish that gets too close to the surface or the pond’s edge,” notes</p>
<p>
Aaron Burchett, of the Pond Market, in St. Louis, Missouri. “A depth of three feet is enough to keep fish safe from raccoons. Make a cave in the side or bottom and build a rock overhang, so the fish can hide.”</p>
<p>
When outside temperatures dip below freezing, use a pond heater to maintain an opening should ice form. This both lets oxygen in and lets gases from decomposing plants and animal waste escape while the fish hibernate. Setting up a well-cleaned, bi- or tri-level water fountain for kids and dogs to drink from makes a nice water feature, as well.</p>
<p>
Keep in mind that a people- and animal-friendly yard is a work in progress, so this summer’s plans can continue to build.</p>
<p>
<br>
<em>Sandra Murphy is a freelance writer based in St. Louis, MO. Connect at <a href="http://StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com">StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com</a>.</em></p>
<div class="body-sidebar-right p-4">
<strong>Helpful Websites</strong><br>
<br>
Butterfly attractors:<br>
<a href="http://TheGardenHelper.com/butterflyflowers.html">TheGardenHelper.com/butterflyflowers.html</a><br>
<br>
Hummingbird attractors:<br>
<a href="http://Hummingbirds.net/attract.html">Hummingbirds.net/attract.html</a><br>
<br>
Pond and fish facts:<br>
<a href="http://PondMarket.com">PondMarket.com</a><br>
<br>
Plants hazardous to dogs: <a href="http://ansci.cornell.edu/plants/dogs/index.html">ansci.cornell.edu/plants/dogs/index.html</a><br>
Poison control center: <a href="http://aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control">aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control</a>; emergency helpline 888-426-4435</div><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>
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2019-08-28T16:16:07-04:00
2019-08-28T16:16:07-04:00
Pool Cats: Paddling Classes Can Keep Them Safe
2011-06-30 10:48:00 -0400
Mary Ellen
<p>
<span class="dropcap">Y</span>es, cats can swim. This is good to know if your home features a resident pet and a swimming pool. While most cats are not in love with a dip in the water—neither would you be if you had to dry your nose-to-toes fur using a tiny pink tongue—what would happen if a favorite feline fell in? If curiosity or circumstance caused her to take the plunge, could she make it to the edge and safely pull herself out of the pool?</p>
<p>
Our family has taken seriously the task of teaching our five cats how to swim, and always proceeded with loving care and patience. We’ve experienced considerable success by following these steps. Remember that the “swim class” is designed to teach your cat what to do if she finds herself accidentally in the water.</p>
<p>
We trim the cat’s toenails a few days before their swim class. Then, holding your cat firmly and calmly against your midriff as the two of you wade into the shallow end of the pool, keep her secure until you feel her relax in the water. Soothingly speak to her in a loving manner, gently caressing her body and watch her face until her expression calms.</p>
<p>
We hold the cat in our arms until her legs and paws begin to move in the water—showing that she is trying to “run” away. We’ve found that the more a feline moves in the water, the more familiar she becomes with the feel of it on her limbs and with the motion of swimming.</p>
<p>
When she’s ready, gently release your cat into the water and stay by her side as she “runs,” or kitty paddles, to the pool’s edge; then let her pull herself out, so that she knows she can do it. Note that if the water level is too low in a pool, a cat can drown in it, so either raise the level of the water or put a small ladder into the pool so she knows where to climb out.</p>
<p>
It is magical watching cats smoothly glide forward with their head held high. Some like the experience better than others; if a feline fur-eeks out, she may be better suited as a permanent landlubber. Also, a cat that’s used to having a bath may be a better candidate for adjusting to a paddle in the pool.</p>
<p>
Wet cat fur, especially longhaired fur, retains water (along with pool chemicals), so our family finishes each kitty-paddling swim class by rinsing and gently toweling off our pets with an absorbent microfiber cloth. Then she air dries in the sun.</p>
<p>
<br>
<em>Mary Ellen, is a pet newspaper columnist who shares the stories and tips she discovers in her online newsletter at <a href="http://AngelScribe.com">AngelScribe.com</a>. She’s taught felines to ride in a bike or stroller and walk on a leash, but her swimming lessons have made the biggest splash (You Tube <a href="http://tinyurl.com/6jy2rap">tinyurl.com/6jy2rap</a>). Reach her at <a href="mailto:AngelScribe@msn.com">AngelScribe@msn.com</a>.</em></p>
<p>
<em>Note: This article was written as advice for pet safety. Swim classes were conducted in a series of safe steps in structured kitty-paddle classes by a trusted family member, so the cats would not feel afraid. This article is not intended to encourage others to test to see if their cats can swim.</em></p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
<strong>Click here for <a href="/Natural-Awakenings/July-2011/Canine-Water-Babies/">Canine Water Babies</a></strong></p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>
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2019-08-28T16:16:16-04:00
2019-08-28T16:16:16-04:00
Canine Water Babies: Summer Safety Tips
2011-06-30 10:48:00 -0400
Ann Brightman
<h4>
<strong>When I was a kid, we used to take our two dogs for walks in the woods on warm summer evenings. One of our favorite stopping-off points was a bend in the creek where the water streamed slowly by and the dogs loved to plunge in to fetch sticks and have a bit of a paddle. Going by the happy expressions on their faces when they emerged dripping and refreshed and spraying us with drops of water as they shook themselves, it was the highlight of their whole day.</strong>
</h4>
<p>
<br>
Sharing water activities with your canine companion is a wonderful bonding experience, as long as you keep in mind that as with children, you must consider a pet’s safety and comfort. While many dogs take to the water like ducks, especially retrievers, spaniels and similar breeds, others are a bit timid at first and may need some help getting used to this new experience. These 10 tips will ensure that you and your best friend can splash out in worry-free fun, whether you’re wading in a stream, going boating or visiting the beach or a lake cottage.</p>
<p>
<span class="dropcap">1.</span> Before starting any new activity with your dog, it’s a smart idea to first make sure he’s in good health. If you’re in any doubt as to his fitness, have him checked by a vet.</p>
<p>
<span class="dropcap">2.</span> If it will be Rover’s introduction to the water, start slowly and be patient, especially if he’s still a pup. Don’t assume he’ll automatically know how to swim. Choose a warm day and a shallow body of water, with a gently sloping beach or bank that’s easy for the dog to navigate. Let him approach the water’s edge and investigate it in his own time. Never splash him or force him to enter the water before he’s ready.</p>
<p>
<span class="dropcap">3.</span> Once caution has turned to curiosity, try enticing him into the water by entering it yourself and calling him—perhaps attracting him with a treat or by tossing a toy a short distance into the water (not so deep that his paws can’t reach the bottom). Gradually, he should feel more confident, especially if he sees you having fun, and will venture further into the water.</p>
<p>
<span class="dropcap">4.</span> Take your time while introducing your dog to boating. Keep in mind that he’s used to surfaces that are stationary and stable, so it might take him a little while to get used to a tilting and moving craft. Let him get acquainted with the boat while it’s still tied up, whether it’s a canoe, kayak or yacht. Keep his first boat trips short and watch him for any signs of motion sickness.</p>
<p>
<span class="dropcap">5.</span> Even if a dog is a seasoned swimmer, it’s a good idea to equip him with a canine life jacket or personal flotation device while you’re out on a boat. Accidents can happen, and cold, deep, choppy water can challenge even the strongest swimmer. A life jacket is a must if your dog isn’t a good swimmer; not only while he’s on a boat, but also when he’s playing in water that gets progressively deeper. Make sure the device fits properly and allow him a chance to get used to wearing and swimming with the life jacket before taking him out over deep water.</p>
<p>
<span class="dropcap">6.</span> Whether on a boat or the beach, ensure that the dog has access to good quality, fresh drinking water; maybe bring your own from home.</p>
<p>
<span class="dropcap">7.</span> Make sure he has shade. Boat surfaces and beach sand can become extremely hot during sun-filled summer days, which are hard on unprotected paws; a dog’s sensitive nose and ears can get sunburned from excessive exposure as well.</p>
<p>
<span class="dropcap">8.</span> When swimming in the ocean, be aware of strong tides. Sea lice and jellyfish are other risks to watch out for. Jellyfish can sting a curious dog, causing extreme pain and swelling, while sea lice are microscopic organisms that can cause intense itching. It’s a good idea to rinse your dog (and yourself) with fresh water after swimming in the ocean.</p>
<p>
<span class="dropcap">9.</span> The biggest rule of thumb as far as safety goes is to always supervise your dog around any body of water, just as you would a child. If you have a pool, teach him how to get out of it and don’t leave behind enticing toys still floating in the water. Remember that swimming is vigorous exercise and a dog can tire quickly, especially if he’s older.</p>
<p>
<span class="dropcap">10.</span> A dog may need help getting out of the water, especially when swimming off of a boat or dock, as well as in a pool. A boating harness is a good solution; available
in several sizes, it’s designed for optimum mobility and should include a sturdy upright handle on the back of it to help you lift a pet out of the water.</p>
<p>
Water activities can hugely enrich a dog’s life experience, not to mention your mutual bond of friendship. As long as you keep his safety in mind, the fun you share will give you many happy memories to look back on for years to come.</p>
<p>
<br>
<em>Ann Brightman is the managing editor of </em>Animal Wellness Magazine<em>, from which this is reprinted with permission ©2009 (<a href="http://AnimalWellnessMagazine.com">AnimalWellnessMagazine.com</a>).</em></p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
<strong>Click here for <a href="/Natural-Awakenings/July-2011/Pool-Cats/">Pool Cats</a></strong></p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>
urn:uuid:73577108-57a3-4936-a326-8304d2f19cd7
2019-08-28T16:28:47-04:00
2019-08-28T16:28:47-04:00
Why More Offices are Going to the Dogs: Pets Can Reduce Stress in the Workplace
2011-06-20 18:29:00 -0400
Stephen Humphries
<p><span class="dropcap">P</span>eriodic ‘Take Your Dog to Work’ days may remain special events for many workers, yet pet-friendly workplaces are on the rise. They’re part of a broader shift, as younger generations reject formal office culture in favor of more fun and fulfilling workplaces. But wider adoption of the benefit likely will depend on how companies handle issues relating to the comfort levels of other workers.</p><p>“There are more companies that are shifting toward offering dog-friendly work policies because they can use that to attract employees,” says Cameron Woo, publisher of <em>Bark</em> magazine. According to the Society of Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) 2007 Benefits Survey, 6 percent of respondents allow employees to bring pets to work, up from 4 percent the previous year. A new survey of 1,000 adults by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association found that 17 percent are permitted to bring pets to work.</p><p>Advocates believe the practice benefits both employers and employees. People working long days can bring an element of their home life into the workplace, while those who work regular hours needn’t get antsy about dashing home to walk the dog. Another plus: not having to pay for a dog-sitter.</p><p>But the biggest gains may be the effect on the work environment. At Web company Sermo, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the philosophy is that the office animals—which include a rabbit and iguana—encourage employees to get to know each other as individuals.</p><p>“We try to break down barriers between people,” says Alexandra LaMaster, the company’s vice president of talent. “So, when you come into conflict with each other, you resolve that in a better way and you’re more honest, in a direct manner. [Having] dogs at work is just another way of being more genuine and who you are, at work.”</p><p>The canine companions also offer a constructive form of stress release. “I’ll sit and play with the dogs for a few minutes after a hard meeting,” grins Jess Frykholm, a Sermo employee.</p><p>Tech firms like Sermo were among the first to turn office cubicles into kennels. These companies need to innovate, but employees can’t be creative if they’re unhappy at work.</p><p>For the most part, large, pet-friendly companies such as Google, Amazon, and Ben & Jerry’s aren’t the norm. The SHRM survey found that small companies were more likely to offer the benefit (11 percent), than medium companies (6 percent), or large companies (4 <img src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/626696/Dogs-in-the-office.jpg" alt="" class="image-align-right">percent). Implementing procedures may simply be too daunting for big businesses, and there’s always concern that one of the animals will lash out at an employee, visitor or client.</p><p>It’s possible that an employer could be held liable for an attack, just as a landlord can be held responsible if he knew a dog was dangerous and didn’t do anything about it, says Juris Doctor Mary Randolph, author of <em>Every Dog’s Legal Guide</em>. But Randolph says she’s unaware of any trials over an attack in the workplace.</p><p>Still, that doesn’t quell the fears of Kelly Hoffman, an employee at a dog-ridden Web retail firm in Reading, Pennsylvania, who notes, “One person’s perk is another person’s nightmare.” Hoffman says the three or four dogs in the small office also make her “feel lousy,” because of her allergies.</p><p>Beyond that, she claims, they’re a nuisance and reduce productivity, because colleagues constantly take the dogs outside for potty breaks. “You’re on the phone trying to take a phone order, and all of a sudden there’s a loud bark in your ear and you can’t hear the customer trying to place the order,” she says. Her office has no formal guidelines, other than to keep the animal under control and ensure that it’s house-trained.</p><p>Policies vary among companies. Many are thorough and clearly delineated. (Sermo’s etiquette memo, for instance, stipulates that contract workers can’t bring their dogs to work, because they’ll disrupt the harmony of the established pack.) Others are vague, ad hoc, or not consistently enforced, if it happens to be inconvenient to the top dog of an organization, observes Jennifer Fearing, chief economist at the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).</p><p>That was the impetus behind Fearing’s 2008 book, <em>Creating Dog Friendly Workplaces</em>, which she co-wrote with renowned dog trainer Liz Palika. Fearing used the HSUS’s 200-employee offices in Washington as a testing ground for a model process. After 18 months, they’d had no issues with their 35 dogs. Among their procedures: an application process, probation period, and requirements that each cubicle be fitted with a baby gate, as well as a green, yellow or red sign, to indicate the degree of a dog’s socialization among strangers.</p><p>“Dogs went from being in the yard to in our beds. It’s too much cognitive dissonance to leave these creatures all alone all day,” says Fearing, whose book was sparked by an uptick in inquiries from human resource departments. “Companies ought to do this right, and that’s what we want to empower them to do.”</p><p><br><em>Source: Adapted from The Christian Science Monitor</em></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>
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2019-08-28T16:31:30-04:00
2019-08-28T16:31:30-04:00
A Better Pooper Scooper
2011-06-09 22:12:00 -0400
Crissy Trask
<p><span class="dropcap">G</span>ood weather brings more people and their dogs outdoors. But, not everyone picks up after their pooch. Unfortunately, the presence of dog piles where we walk, picnic and play has become a common and unwelcome sight in our parks, beside paths and walkways, and even in neighborhood flowerbeds.</p><p>No one likes cleaning up after their dog, but it is the law in many communities. Even where no pet waste control ordinance exists, picking up your pet’s waste immediately is the courteous thing to do when it lands anywhere but on your own property.</p><p>Pet waste that is left on the ground isn’t just unpleasant; it’s also a source of urban pollution and a health hazard. That’s because pet feces, left sitting, wash into storm drains and waterways. Bacterial pollution is a serious problem facing U.S. waters and, according to the Center for Watershed Protection, pet waste is a significant source of bacterial contamination in our urban watersheds.</p><p>Further, animal waste left behind where children and dogs play can spread disease to humans and other animals. It’s no wonder that neighbors and friends find such irresponsible actions distasteful.</p><p>While most pet owners know better than to leave waste on the ground, it’s evident that many do—especially when they think no one is looking. Taking pet waste seriously is every pet owner’s responsibility, no matter how objectionable they find that to be. This means removing it from public and private property to cut down on contaminated runoff and reduce health risks.</p><p>Whether you’re a thoughtful pooper scooper or still working to reform, when you scoop pet poop, there’s still the matter of its disposal. Owners have three imperfect choices:</p><p><strong>1. Flush it.</strong> Flushing pet waste means it will be treated either at the sewage plant or by a septic system. Unfortunately, this requires bringing animal waste indoors—a difficult choice for some—and depending on the number of animals you have and their um… production… this can use a lot of extra water.</p><p><strong>2. Install an in-ground waste digester.</strong> An in-ground digester acts like a mini-septic system. With the addition of a digester liquid or powder, waste quickly breaks down into organic matter and is absorbed into the soil. If you use biodegradable cornstarch bags to pick up after a pet, you can toss the bag right into the system. For more information on cornstarch bags and pet digesters, go to Composters.com/main.html and scroll down the page to Pet Waste Management. Pet digesters should not be buried in any garden where food is grown.</p><p><strong>3. Throw it in the trash.</strong> If local law permits, pet waste can be sealed in a plastic bag and added to the trash. However, when it is incinerated or put in a landfill, it can cause pollution problems.</p><p><em><br>Crissy Trask, author of "It’s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living", is a freelance writer and a green living advisor based in Spokane, WA. She can be reached at <a href="http://CT@GreenMatters.com">CT@GreenMatters.com</a>.</em></p><div class="body-sidebar-right p-4">
<strong>Tips for Easier Pickup of Pet Waste</strong><br>- If using a shovel, a garden hoe helps pluck the pile up and into the shovel.<br>- Buy dark bags that hide contents, such as Pooch Pick-up Bags (<a href="http://Kyjen.com">Kyjen.com</a>) or BioBag for pets (<a href="http://BioBagUSA.com">BioBagUSA.com</a>), which are biodegradable.<br>- Carry a second bag on walks to hold the pickup bag. This affords more privacy.<br>- Think ahead before bringing pet waste indoors, to avoid unfortunate accidents.<br>- Clear a path and lift up the seat on the toilet ahead of time.</div><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>
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2019-08-28T16:13:29-04:00
2019-08-28T16:13:29-04:00
Fitness with Fido: Five Ways to Make Workouts Fun
2011-05-31 08:07:00 -0400
Joshua Fleming
<p>
<span class="dropcap">D</span>ogs are great at showing unconditional love, being a good listener and offering open paws when a hug is needed; they also make superb workout partners. Here are five ways to bond and get healthy with your favorite four-legged friend.</p>
<h4>
<strong>Walking</strong>
</h4>
<p>
An obvious way to exercise with a canine pal is to take walks together. Vets generally recommend that dogs go for at least one walk every day, and tagging along is a good way to get the 30 minutes of daily cardiovascular exercise that doctors encourage for us. Also, the regularity of a daily walk helps strengthen the relationship between a dog and owner, while developing the animal’s trust and obedience.</p>
<h4>
<strong>Fetching</strong>
</h4>
<p>
Many dogs love chasing tennis balls, tree limbs or other thrown objects. To get the most out of a workout, after throwing the object to be fetched, take off after it with your dog. Although the four-legged competitor may win most of the time, running back and forth and friendly competition benefits all.</p>
<h4>
<strong>Swimming</strong>
</h4>
<p>
It may be difficult to find a salt pool (avoid chlorine) where pooches are welcome, but shallow lakeshores, local streams and other natural bodies of water can provide enjoyable destinations to take a supervised dip. Swimming builds strength and stamina and is gentle on the joints; it works the body in ways that no other exercise does.</p>
<h4>
<strong>Dancing</strong>
</h4>
<p>
Dancing is another way to get a groove on and burn calories at the same time. Turn on some tunes and start moving, encouraging your dog to move with you, perhaps even standing on his or her back paws if it feels right. The laughter that results is a whole other form of exercise.</p>
<h4>
<strong>Bicycling</strong>
</h4>
<p>
Years ago, bicycling with man’s best friend was dangerous. Fortunately, today we have contraptions that attach a dog safely to a bicycle for a ride and prevent falls when Fido lunges after a squirrel. Bicycling with a dog running alongside is an effective workout for both of you.</p>
<p>
Exercising with canine pals can be rewarding in many ways, but workouts must be safe, as well as effective. Unless exercising at home or in a fenced yard, dogs should remain on a leash at all times and wear identification tags. Understanding the limits and abilities of a dog’s breed is also important, so that workouts can be appropriately tailored. Now, grab Fido and get moving!</p>
<p>
<br>
<em>Joshua Fleming, a personal trainer and sports nutritionist based in Daphne, AL, is the founder of Victory Fitness, a nationwide virtual personal training initiative. Learn more at <a href="http://VictoryFit.com">VictoryFit.com</a>.</em></p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>
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2019-08-28T16:19:27-04:00
2019-08-28T16:19:27-04:00
Alzheimer's Alternatives: Natural Therapies Can Help
2011-04-23 00:08:00 -0400
Dr. Shawn Messonnier
<p>
<span class="dropcap">C</span>anine and feline Alzheimer’s disease, also known as cognitive disorder, is the most common chronic degenerative problem for older dogs and cats, especially past the age of 10. It affects millions of pets in the United States.</p>
<p>
The cause of Alzheimer’s in animals is unknown. It appears, however, that inflammation may play a role. On the microscopic level, scientists have noted the presence of abnormal protein accumulations occurring within the brain’s blood vessels, similar to those in people with Alzheimer’s. Ultimately, the brain lesions interfere with proper functioning of nerve transmissions.</p>
<h3>
Clinical signs</h3>
<p>
Several signs may indicate cognitive disorder in affected dogs, including:</p>
<p>
* Staring at the wall<br>
* Lack of awareness of surroundings<br>
* Occasional lack of recognition of the owner<br>
* Lethargy/lack of energy<br>
* Excess sleep (especially during the day)<br>
* House-training problems (usually urinating inside the house)<br>
* Deafness</p>
<p>
Cats share the same clinical signs of cognitive disorder as dogs, plus the following:</p>
<p>
* Poor coat (excessive shedding or thin, dry coat)<br>
* Poor appetite<br>
* Chronic constipation<br>
* House-training problems (usually urinating outside the litter box when other problems related to anxiety behavior are not in evidence)</p>
<p>
Note that other conditions such as diabetes plus thyroid, kidney, heart or adrenal gland disease, can produce signs similar to those associated with cognitive disorder. A full diagnostic evaluation that includes blood and urine testing should be performed by a veterinarian before reaching such a possible diagnosis.</p>
<h3>
Conventional Treatment</h3>
<p>
The drug Anipryl has been approved for treating cognitive disorder in dogs; no medication is available for cats. While effective in some patients, this drug is expensive and can have rare side effects. If the drug proves to be effective, Anipryl must be used for the rest of the life of the dog. Natural, drug-free therapies are less costly.</p>
<h3>
Natural Therapies</h3>
<p>
Many different natural therapies can help alleviate cognitive disorder, as recommended by a holistic vet. Changes in diet may include antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, herbs such as ginkgo biloba, targeted homeopathics and phosphatidylserine and acetyl-L-carnitine supplements.</p>
<h3>
<img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/625852/NP_0511_OldCat.jpg" class="image-align-right">
</h3>
<p>
While I may incorporate a combination of these in the treatment of a pet with cognitive disorder, one mainstay is supplementation with choline/phosphatidylcholine. Many pets in my practice have had beneficial results with the patented product Cholodin, made by MVP Laboratories. It contains choline, phosphatidylcholine, methionine and inositol.</p>
<p>
Several years ago, I conducted a study funded by the manufacturer and found that Cholodin was effective as a sole therapy. Half of the dogs and cats treated with this supplement showed a moderate or significant response within 30 days; another 25 percent of dogs and 20 percent of cats in the study showed at least minimal improvement within a 30-day period. I now prescribe Cholodin for all of my dog and cat patients that are at least 5 years of age, as a preventive measure.</p>
<p>
In addition to choline and other natural therapies, I believe that it’s important to minimize inflammation in older pets, as well, because minimizing inflammation may also help prevent or decrease the incidence of other serious disorders. Because common commercial pet foods can ingredients that can induce oxidative cell damage and inflammation, I recommend feeding pets natural foods devoid of byproducts and chemicals (feeding only wet food to cats).</p>
<p>
Other ideas to reduce inflammation include minimizing vaccinations through the use of antibody titer testing, and minimizing or eliminating the use of chemical flea and tick products. In my experience, using natural therapies, beginning when a pet turns 5 years of age, can actually prevent, and at least minimize, the incidence of cognitive disorder.</p>
<p>
<br>
<em>Shawn Messonier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of </em>The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats<em>; his latest book is </em>Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets<em>. Visit <a href="http://PetCareNaturally.com">PetCareNaturally.com</a>.</em></p>
<p>
<em>References: “Doggie and Kittie Alzheimer’s,” by Dr. Shawn Messionnier: </em>Clinical Botanical Medicine<em>, by Eric Yarnell, Kathy Abascal and Robert Rountree</em></p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>